Bin arsonists are ‘putting lives at risk’

Firefighters have warned arsonists they are putting lives in danger after a series of wheelie bin fires across the area.
Firefighters and Police warn of the dangers of wheelie bin fires.
Isp John Rogerson and Watch commander Dave SmithFirefighters and Police warn of the dangers of wheelie bin fires.
Isp John Rogerson and Watch commander Dave Smith
Firefighters and Police warn of the dangers of wheelie bin fires. Isp John Rogerson and Watch commander Dave Smith

People living on Ambler Street, Castleford, had to be evacuated following an attack on a bin in a compound beneath a block of flats on Saturday, August 15.

Arsonists also torched a row of 11 bins propped up against houses on Verner Street, Featherstone on Sunday, August 8.

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Now, fire crews have teamed up with the police to warn people of the dangers of bin fires and to catch those responsible.

Dave Smith, watch commander at Castleford fire station, said: “Wheelie bins burn very quickly and give off a lot of toxic fumes.

“If positioned near a property the fire can spread very quickly to the fixtures and fittings and gutterings.

“Within a couple of minutes there is potential for the house to be alight even if bins are up to two metres away.”

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Mr Smith asked homeowners to keep their wheelie bins out of sight and away from property.

He said: “We’ve had a bit of a spate in bin fires over the past few weeks and we just want people to be aware of the problem.”

“These arsonists just don’t understand the potential consequences of what they’re doing.

“They might think it’s a bit of fun but they are actually putting lives at risk.

“It’s as serious as that.”

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Acting Insp John Rogerson, of Normanton and Featherstone and Castleford neighbourhood police teams (NPTs), said police were investigating both incidents.

Anyone with any information should contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.